Southend High Street business owners feeling impact of issues

During a council meeting on Thursday night the city’s High Street was branded a “no-go zone” for residents due to “constant issues”. 

Councillor for community safety Martin Terry rejected the claims, but Ali Findik, co-owner of the Black and Red restaurant, says he has seen a constant stream of antisocial behaviour since taking over his premises a few months ago and often spends his evenings dealing with aggressive behaviour.A steady increase in anti-social behaviour (Image: George Pizani)

• Read more: 'Mob of youths' attack man as fight breaks out in Southend High Street

“Last week, one drunk guy was walking down the street punching all the windows and walls, trying to damage the shops.” said Ali.

“They want to come and use the toilet, and when we don’t let them, they try to fight us. Drink and drugs are the problem.”

Ali’s claims are echoed by Antony Tomassi, owner of high street fixture Tomassi’s, who rejects claims that the area is a “no-go zone” but is clear-eyed about the issues that face Southend’s city centre.

“It’s no one particular group” he said. “It just sparks off all of a sudden and they’ll decide to pick on somebody, it’s indiscriminate.”Street Rangers deter crime during the day (Image: George Pizani)

He believes while the city’s Street Rangers do a great job in preventing disorder during the day but fears the lack of extra security in the evening is a major issue.

He said: “There are ways to improve the high street, such as generally ensuring there is a presence of police. Even if they’re just walking up and down, the ‘antisocial brigade’ will see them and go elsewhere.”

It’s not just businesses who are concerned about the rise of disorder and disruption on the high street, with residents and visitors also sensing a change in atmosphere.

Holidaymaker Pat Mitchell is disappointed by the state of Southend (Image: George Pizani)

For County Durham holidaymakers Pat and Keith Mitchell, their long-awaited trip to Southend had been marked by sightings of rats, abandoned shops and a general feeling of neglect.

The couple, who travel the UK often, were left “disappointed”, with Keith describing the city as “leading the way in ‘slummery’.”

Resident Tina George fears homelessness contributes to antisocial behaviour. 

“The council should house the homeless. There’s so many people suffering, whatever reason they’re homeless is sad and they should be housed, not on the street.” she said.